CROWDS went quackers for the 15th annual bank holiday duck race yesterday.

The Rotary Club of Swindon Old Town held the traditional event at the Westcott Recreation Ground, which saw a digger drop the field into the river Ray for the quarter-mile dash.

It was duck, duck and away as more than 12,000 plastic birds raced to win their owner a coveted cash prize - with only one fitting the bill to be crowned champion and hook their owner £1,000.

The proceeds from this year’s event, sponsored by Nationwide and the McArthur Glen Outlet Village, will go towards the Swindon Therapy centre for Multiple Sclerosis and other town charities including Restore, CALM and Chernobyl Children in Need.

Plucky spectators lined the race route to make sure their chosen duck didn’t fall foul of fallen trees, abandoned beach balls and dangerous corners.

President of the Swindon Old Town Rotary club, Steve Parsons, said the event had a special place in the heart of the community.

“Every year it gets bigger and better here and the atmosphere today has been fantastic,” he said.

“We get so many people come for the duck race and it’s wonderful that everyone wants to help out in the community.”

Families also had a splashing time watching the rival rubber ducks battle it out in the highly anticipated competition.

Katie Kerley, from Kings Hill, attended the race with her husband Simon and children Esme, six and Phoebe, three.

Katie said: “It’s a lovely community event for everyone to get involved in. We come every year and I’m feeling pretty confident that we’re going to win this year.

“The kids have been really excited about it all week. I’d use the money for a family holiday.”

The event, which ran from 11am to 4pm, provided a host of attractions including fast food stalls, fun fair rides, live music and a special dog show display held by the RSPCA.

Despite the sun only making a fleeting appearance people of all ages sprawled out on the grass to tuck into hot dogs and burgers.

The Drakes Race for businesses began the day’s race activities followed by the first schools race with 30 establishments taking part.

Miss Wiltshire Nicole Analise Cox was also on hand to pose up a storm with children dressed in yellow duck costumes.